Preparing for your appointment

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you. If you're thought to have cervical cancer, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in treating gynecologic cancers (gynecologic oncologist).

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions, such as not eating solid food on the day before your appointment.

Write down your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason why you scheduled the appointment.

Write down your key medical information, including other conditions.

Write down key personal information, including anything that increases your risk of STIs, such as early sexual activity, multiple partners or unprotected sex.

Make a list of all your medications, vitamins or supplements.

Ask a relative or friend to accompany you, to help you remember what the doctor says.

Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Questions to ask your doctor

What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?

What kinds of tests do I need?

What treatments are available, and what side effects can I expect?

What is the prognosis?

How often will I need follow-up visits after I finish treatment?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask other questions that occur to you.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may make time to go over points you want to spend more time on. You may be asked:

What symptoms are you experiencing? How severe are they?

When did you first begin experiencing symptoms? Have they changed over time?

Have you had regular Pap tests since you became sexually active? Have you ever had abnormal Pap test results in the past?

Saslow D, et al. American Cancer Society, American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology and American Society for Clinical Pathology screening guidelines for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer. American Journal of Clinical Pathology. 2012;137:516.

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